LONG BEACH – Long Beach resident Susan “Sue” Whitson, age 53, died July 20, 2005, after battling numerous health conditions for many years. Born July 12, 1952, in Duarte, Calif., she was the daughter of Virgil and Joyce (Stutesman) Winkelman.

During her childhood years, the family lived in Dorris, Calif., where she attended grammar school. The family moved to Portland, Ore., some years later and she attended local schools. She graduated from David Douglas High School and then attended a trade school.

In 1987 she married Roger Whitson and they made their home in Federal Way. Mrs. Whitson worked as a nurse at the Masonic Retirement Home in Des Moines. After she moved with her family to Long Beach in 1990 to be near other family members, she continued her work as a nurse at Ocean View Convalescent Center until her health forced her to retire.

Her life centered around her family. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, loved to bake, possessed a wonderful sense of humor, had a strong character and took no sass from anyone. She loved animals and was an artist specializing in beautiful tile mosaics.

Mrs. Whitson is survived by her husband Roger, sons Wade Whitson and Chad Whitson all of Long Beach; mother Joyce Winkelman of Ocean Park; sister Sheila Fulwiler of Covington; half-sister Sharon Richardson of Vancouver; brother Scott Winkelman of Pleasant Hill, Calif.; and her Uncle Paul and Aunt Iva Barr of Long Beach. Her father, Virgil Winkelman, preceded her in death.

At her request no public service will be scheduled. Cremation arrangements are by Penttila’s Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach.